courtesy photo
Kelly Gomes, right, of the Greenwood Center in Sanford, is presented with an award by Mary Jane Richards, the chair of the Maine Health Care Association's board of directors.

SANFORD — Kelly Gomes, an employee at the Greenwood Center, a nursing and rehabilitation facility on Main Street in Sanford, recently received the 2012 Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award during a recognition ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.

Sponsored by the Maine Health Care Association (MHCA), the Celebrating Excellence in Caregiving Award is given annually to long-term care employees statewide who have consistently exemplified a commendable level of caregiving, dedication, and professionalism in caring for the state's elderly and disabled citizens living in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Gomes was one of 14 caregivers statewide who received the honor this year.

The Celebrating Excellence Award is designed to thank and honor Maine's long-term care employees who spend their days and nights caring for others. To be considered, nominees must meet certain criteria, including consistent quality of caregiving, attention to residents' rights, leadership among peers, and ability to inspire others through example. Nominations for the award were submitted by long-term care facilities statewide and winners were selected by an independent panel of judges with long term care expertise.

According to MHCA President and CEO Richard Erb, "Maine's direct care and support staff provide compassionate quality care, and in many cases fill a family role for long-term care residents and consumers each and every day. This luncheon and awards program is a tribute to their dedication and our way of saying thank-you."